Code of Ethical Conduct for Youth

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ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. LOUIS CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR MINORS VOLUNTEERING OR WORKING WITH YOUNGER CHILDREN

 

You are about to begin what could be a lifelong commitment to working or volunteering for the Catholic Church. It is a privilege to help carry on the mission of Jesus Christ, one that no one takes lightly. Moreover, as a minor yourself, it is important you follow certain rules and guidelines, both for your protection and for the protection of those to whom you minister. The church takes the issue of misconduct very seriously. Certainly any instance of your misconduct will be evaluated carefully, and you are urged to report any instances of misconduct that you see to the adult in charge of your area of service.

 

   GENERAL CONDUCT FOR VOLUNTEERS OR WORKERS WHO ARE MINORS

 

  1. You must always be aware of your own protection and the protection of those with whom you are working.
  2. You must never be alone with a younger child in your care.
  3. You must never transport a younger child in your care.
  4. When you are on an outing with younger children in your care there must be two adults present at all times.
  5. You are not to access locker rooms, shower rooms and dressing rooms where younger children in your care are present unless an adult is present.
  6. You are not to accompany a younger child in your care into a restroom without an adult present unless the circumstances make it absolutely unavoidable.
  7. You must never have physical contact with younger children in your care, except as appropriate in connection with your duties.
  8. You must never use inappropriate language when working with younger children.
  9. You must never be involved with the illegal possession and/or illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol in the presence of younger children in your care. 
  10. You must never use physical force or demeaning language in disciplining younger children in your care. 
  11. You have a responsible position within your parish and you should live up to the expectations of trust that have been placed in you.
  12. You must never take advantage of a younger child in your care.
  13. You must be aware that Archdiocesan guidelines on child abuse are to be followed without exception whenever someone works or volunteers with a younger child to protect the rights of all involved.

 

 

 

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is grateful for the service you provide.  Whenever you have questions or whenever you are uncertain about what is required, ask the adults with whom you work.

 

 

 

 


Archdiocese of St. Louis

Commitment to Ethical Conduct for

Minors Volunteering or Working with Younger Children

 

I promise to follow faithfully the rules and guidelines in the Archdiocese of St. Louis Code of Ethical Conduct for Minors Volunteering or Working with Younger Children as a condition of my providing services to the children and youth of our Archdiocese.

 

I understand that any action inconsistent with the Archdiocese of St. Louis Code of Ethical Conduct for Minors Volunteering or Working with Younger Children or any failure to take action mandated by the Code may result in my removal from my position of working with minors.

 

I further understand that I may, as a condition of continuing in my position, be required to participate in education and training provided by the school I attend. 

 

Printed Name of Minor Volunteer or Worker

 

 

Address______________________________________________________________________

 

Phone No._______________________________

 

Signature of Minor Volunteer or Worker

 

____________________________________________________________

 

Today’s Date____________   Minor’s Date of Birth_______________

 

(High School Students Only)  Expected High School Graduation Month, Year__________________

 

We are the parents/legal guardians of ________________________ (“Minor”).  We have received and support the Archdiocese of St. Louis Code of Ethical Conduct for Minors Volunteering or Working with Younger Children and we have reviewed it with the Student.  We understand that the Archdiocese has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for all of its young people and we know of nothing in Minor’s background that would make him/her unsuitable to work with minor age children.

 

Printed Name of Parent/Legal Guardian

 

_________________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian

 

________________________________________________________________

 

Date __________________

 

Please direct any questions to Ms. Terry Edelmann, Director of the Safe Environment Program of the Archdiocese of St. Louis at 314.792.7271. Return this firm to your parish’s Child Safety Coordinator.